The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-10-16

Mrs. Norton
"Do not grow Respondent, my son. You
will obtain situation soon."
And Mrs. Paine wound her arms around
her sons neck and gazed lovingly into his
sad, downcast face.
Il trust so, mother" replied Virgil de-
iectedly, "but l fear my experience in
Richmond has greatly shaken my faith.
We have been here almost three weeks, and
rot the least encouragement have received
from anybody yet, although | have trav-
ersed almost the entire city in search of
employment"
II know it is very discouraging but
don't despair, Virgil, for my sake at least.
1t is not like my brave boy to give way to
dependency You are usually so hopeful.
Wait patiently upon the Lord, as the Scrip
lures exhort us to do, and l feel assured He
will reward with success your noble, untir-
ing efforts to obtain work. Allow me To
read some words from the Bible, which
am sure will fall like balm upon my boys
weary heart"
Mrs. Paine arose and Iprocured Bible
from the bookcase, and, reSuming her seat
beside Virgil, read in a low, musical voice
the beautiful language of Jesus contained
in the sixth chapter OF Matthew's Gospel.
Nov, aren't those words comforting?
said the lady, as she closed the sacred vol
ume ooh, how can we dstrust our Heav-
emily Father! I will never again doubt
Him, for He has been so near to me in my
grief, and daily my faith grows stronger as
] lean upon His love
Virgil was heartily ashamed that he had
given way to dependency, when his mother
was bearing her affections with such eXem-
plary patience.
Forgive me, mother" he said, land kiss
me good night / will try to be more hope
full after this. Already your words have
strengthened me-"
Mrs. Paine drew her boy to her bosom
and imprinted a kiss upon his lips, after
which, with a brighter face and a happier
heart than he had had for a week past, he
assembled to his room. 1t was after mid
night. The ringing of the town-be'l5 and
the firing of cannon had just proclaimed the
birth of the new year.
HAS it any happiness for meF unused the
youth, as be stood by the window gazing
dreamily up at the starit heaven "Or
will it net add more sorrow to my already
full cup!"
The latter thought saddened his counter
ance, but only for a moment. The misfor-
tunes of the past should not becloud the flu
ture with misgivings. He would lean en-
tirely upon God and His promises, and COM
nit the future to Him.
Dropping upon his knees the boy prayed
first for the forgi less OF his sins and for
strength in tim. of temptation; then he
asked Gods blessing upon his mother, Mil
ton and the old servants; and, lastly, he
PRAYED that be would soon obtain some
profitable employment.
The peace that passeth all understand
ing" fell like balm upon his troubled spirit
and. rising from his knees, he sought his
bed, softly repeating the words of the
Psalmist,-"The Lord is my shepherd; shall
not want.
The sun was streaming into his room when
he awoke the next morning. He had slept
later than usual and hastily dressing him
self, he descended to the sitting room where
his mother and Milton were awaiting his
appearance.
"A happy New Year to my lazy son said
Mrs, Paine, kindly, as Virgil entered her
presence.
"The same to you, mother and brother
mine" he replied Il am sorry | slept Sc
late. Milton, you ought to have awakened
me when YOU arose"
"Well, hated to sturb you so, brother,
cause you've been looking so tired here late
ly, said the lad. ,
You are a good, considerate little fell
low, and Virgil laid his hand careSSingly
upon his brothers head.
At this moment the bell rang, and the trio
passed into the dining room, where they
found hot, delicious breakfast spread
Old Jerry and Rachel gave them warm
New Years greeting, and the former waited
upon them throughout the meal with as
much dignity us he had ever done Ill the
palmiest days of the Paines.
"Uncle jerry said Mrs. Paine, after
breakfast, wouldn't you and NANNY like
to 60 with us to church this morning"
is yer gwine to meetin', sho huff, crieo
the old man, with a delightful grin
"'Course, Miss Mary, de ole oman and mt
am always ready to go to de house of God, y
you act as ( you were surprised" said
Mrs. Paine, smiling family. Il am really
ashamed of my heathenishness, uncle Jerry
but it is not indifference that has kept me
at homo on Sundays. | shrink so from
publicity and the possibility of meeting per,
sons | have known in the past. However, !
am determined to conquer this tlmldlty. !
feel must attend church this beautiful New
Years day.
With these words Mrs. Paine and her chill
dren went to their respective rooms To MAKE
their toilets, and quite handsome appear
ance they all made when an hour later
they started forth to church. Mrs. PANE
was attired in a rich suit of mourning
Milton wore a nicely-htting suit OF BLACK
which was highly becoming to ms ialr
boyish beauty Virgil, too, was attired il
black, and looked as he always did-neat
grave and handsome. There was never Wis
IDLE in his dress the least faint of foppery
He never dressed in a manner he though
would attract attention. His modest nature
shrank from anything so vulgar. lie never
combed his hair after the fashion OF dan
dies-his brow was too high and noble &c
be covered by mass of effeminate bangs OF
''scallops.n He never walked with a cane
he had not yet grown so decrepit as 10 re
quire the assistance of such an article.
1t was clear, cold day The streets wer'
thronged with people, most OF whom wer'
hurrying to some house of worship. Aitel
brisk walk OF fifteen minutes the faine'
reached chuch of their faith--a large mas
sive structure. on Broad street--in whlci
Mrs. Paine had worshiped years ago whei
attending school in Richmond. The con
gregation was singing the opening hymn
those soul-inspring words; Nearer MY, Go'
to Thee Old Jerry and aunt Rachel as
cended the gallery stairs with several otne
darkey worshipers. Mrs. Paine and ne n,
children remained in the vestibule until Ia
singing had ceased and the thunderin
.NNa